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BIO 156

Chapter 10
The Nervous System
The nervous system controls
body functions, but also
allows for higher functions
such as thinking.

The nervous system consists


of two parts, the central and
peripheral nervous systems.

•The central nervous


system (CNS) is made up
of the brain and spinal
cord

•The peripheral nervous


system (PNS) consists of
the spinal and cranial
•In the CNS:

•Receptors transmit sensory input to the CNS via sensory


neurons.
•The CNS integrates all sensory input and generates
appropriate responses.
•Motor output leaves the CNS in motor neurons.

In the PNS:

•The peripheral consists of the somatic and the autonomic


subdivisions.
•The autonomic division controls involuntary actions.
•The somatic division largely controls voluntary actions.
Structure and Function of the Neuron
The fundamental unit of the nervous system is the neuron.

This highly specialized cell generates and transmits


bioelectric impulses.
Nerve impulses result from the flow of ions across
their plasma membranes.

•The electrical potential across the membrane is known as


the membrane potential or resting potential.

•When a nerve cell is stimulated, its plasma membrane


increases its permeability to sodium ions.

•Sodium ions rush in, causing depolarization down the


membrane.

•Depolarization is followed by repolarization.

•The depolarization and repolarization of the neuron’s


plasma membrane constitute a bioelectric impulse or action
potential.
Action Potential
• Nerve impulses travel
from one neuron to
another across
synapses.
– When an impulse
reaches the terminal
bouton, it stimulates
the release of
neurotransmitters.
– Neurotransmitters
may excite or inhibit
the postsynaptic
membrane.
The Spinal Cord and Nerves
Nerve cells can be grouped into three functional categories:

1. Sensory neurons carry sensory impulses


2. Motor neurons carry motor impulses
3. Interneurons connect sensory and motor neurons in the
spinal cord.
• The spinal cord transmits information to and from the brain
and houses many reflexes.

• The nerves attached to the spinal cord carry motor and


sensory impulses.

– Two types of nerves emanate from the CNS: spinal and


cranial.
– Spinal nerves arise from the spinal cord and may be
sensory, motor, or mixed.
– Cranial nerves attach to the brain and supply the
structures of the head and several key body parts.
The Reflex Arc
The Brain
• Unconscious functions are
housed in the cerebellum,
hypothalamus, and brain
stem.
– The cerebellum controls
muscle synergy and helps
maintain posture.
– The hypothalamus
controls many autonomic
functions involved in
homeostasis.
– The limbic system is the
site of instinctive behavior
and emotion.
– The brain stem controls
basic body functions.
Hypothalamus
The limbic
system is the
site of instinctive
behavior and
emotion
The Reticular Activating System
Cerebrospinal fluid
cushions the CNS.
End of Chapter 10

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